David Shillington says Canberra Raiders senior players were keen for Andrew Dunemann to be appointed head coach.

Getty Images: Stefan Postles

David Shillington has revealed senior Canberra players wanted Andrew Dunemann to be given the Raiders coaching job and says Ricky Stuart has a huge job ahead to change the off-field culture at the club.

Shillington says Mal Meninga, who formed part of a sub-committee to find a new coach, consulted the senior playing group who told him highly-rated under 20s coach Dunemann should replace David Furner.

But the board voted in favour of bringing Raiders great Stuart back to the club with Dunemann leaving last week.

"Mal rang a few of us and asked us who we thought should be coach and we were pushing for Andrew Dunemann because of his relationship with our young talent," Shillington said.

"But Ricky will be just what the doctor ordered in far as getting the team together ... sort out the off-field stuff and ensure players are pulled into line ... as the care factor has been down."

Shillington was given his NRL debut by Stuart in 2005 when he was at the Sydney Roosters and it has been rumoured the pair did not see eye to eye.

But the Test prop denied there were issues with his new boss and says he is the right man to rebuild spirit at the club.

It's a real big job for Ricky. I am not sure he knows how much work he has to do.

David Shillington

"People have said we've had a falling out but there's nothing to square off or worry about," he said.

"One thing I do know he's good at is bringing the boys together and bonding in a team environment.

"That's what's needed at the moment. It's a real big job for Ricky I am not sure he knows how much work he has to do."

Stuart needs to bring youngsters into line

Shillington says Stuart's first task must is to bring some of the club's young stars into line - something Furner failed to do with Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson, who have since been sacked.

"If a bloke mucks up and you don't drop him from the team because you are worried they may leave the club, or you're worried you won't win the game that's when you create the devil in players," he said.